A good dentist can identify health issues from a simple dental exam. Teeth and gums correlate to your overall physical health more than you may think. Prevention begins with the control of plaque and calculus, the main cause of decay and gum disease.  

Early detection is the key to avoiding costly dental treatment. Oral infections can even trigger other serious conditions, such as: diabetes, oral cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, leukemia, osteoporosis, and others.

Dental Hygiene

Visiting the dentist on a regular basis for an exam and professional cleaning is crucial to maintaining and keeping your natural teeth. During your hygiene visit, we will:

• Check the cleanliness of your teeth and gums
• Remove any plaque and tartar
• Polish your teeth
• Floss between your teeth
• Review recommended brushing and flossing techniques

Forming daily hygiene habits at home is essential, so our doctors and hygienists will demonstrate proper techniques. They may also make suggestions for preventative measures such as dental sealants or night guards to protect against bruxism & TMJ. If we determine that you have gingivitis or gum disease, a more intense cleaning may be necessary. In that case, a root scaling or planing will be recommended.

Oral Cancer Screenings

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 36,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. Only slightly more than half of those diagnosed will be alive in five years. The disease kills roughly one person per hour, 24 hours a day. Although this cancer is simple to detect, it is usually found too late in its development for successful treatment.

Oral cancer typically begins as a tiny white or red spot containing precancerous cells. If you notice a spot, make a dental appointment immediately. The doctor will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas. Periodic screenings can help discover warning signs.

Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is likely in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

Scaling & Root Planing (gum therapy)

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure by which plaque and tartar is removed from below the gum line. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with specially designed instruments. Many individuals suffer from some degree of periodontal (gum) disease, which is caused by toxic bacteria found in plaque that irritates the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss among other significant health problems.